Holga Cameras

Since the day a little Japanese mini-camera was discovered in Russia, lomography took a giant leap forward. The birth of the Lomo Kompakt Automat sent Soviets, Cubans and East Germans out in search of that perfect picture. It wasn’t long before lomographers joined forces to form The Lomographic Society in Vienna to spread the word about lomography around the world.

Since then, there have been a number of international exhibitions of pictures by lomographers. However, the demand for the Lomo Kompakt was widespread and Russian stopped manufacturing them. Today, lomographers have a few other choices of Holga camera models including the Holga digital camera.

The iconic Holga camera allows lomographers to truly be creative, from saturating scenes with yellow, red, blue, orange, gray or clear gel hues, to using extended shutter times to produce dream-like scenes. A Holga camera Starter kit is available with a soft cover book entitled “The World Through A Plastic Lens,” while the Deluxe Kit includes a set of Holga filters. Other options include the Holga Fisheye set, a 35mm adapter and a cable release for long exposures.

For the true Holga maniac, try the Holga Maniac Pack, which contains the Color Flash Holga Starter it, the Tunnelvision lens and the book previously mentioned. There is also a strobe package for the Holga 120GN, which features a “B” shutter that stays open as long as you want, tripod nut and 6 X 6 frame for the sharpest possible images.

The Lomographic Society recently released the first digital underwater camera case called the Frogeye. Whether you want to take photos in the pool, a lake or even the ocean, this is the one to get as you can go down to 12 feet. This camera features a color-busting lens, electronic flash and solid construction.

There are a variety of Holga cameras models now available to the avid lomographer. One of the newer cameras called the ActionSampler features a four-lens capability, so you can dissect pictures into four parts and put them back together in a totally new way. There is also a new one called the SuperSampler designed specifically by a team of lomographers. With this one, you can capture a series of four razor sharp, panoramic images; pull the patented rip-cord winder and shoot.

This year, the first Lomographic World Congress was held in Madrid with the largest ever LomoWall of over 120 meters with 35,000 Holga camera photos proving that lomography is truly alive and well around the world. Hardcore lomographers recently took on a project to take 116 pictures representing their life and passions. Over 500 people will take part with 10 finalists and two grand champions being chosen.

For more information and reviews on Holga cameras reference The Lomographic Society. Its purpose is to study and document the world through pictures – quite literally thousands of them that are shown in exhibitions around the world. A special feature is the Lom World Archive, which is growing every year as our world and our lives move forward and change.